Island Wise

You’ll come to Alicia’s with an empty stomach. You’ll leave with a full heart.

Image: James Cave

Alicia’s Market

May 23, 2012

You’ll come to Alicia’s with an empty stomach. You’ll leave with a full heart.

One of the only true markets remainingfrom post-war, pre-industrialized Kalihi, Alicia’s Market off Nitmiz near Puuhale is the gem dela gem of island-style eateries. It’s been in the same spot since it opened in 1948, but back then it was just a small shack. Now Alicia’s market takes up most of the block, and Cynthia Mori, Alicia’s daughter, runs it along with her son, Dion Mori and her nephews.

“It’s hard to find a true mom-and-pop place around nowadays,” Dion says, serving samples of some of the best poke on the island. Their pupu bar has everything you need for a picnic: poke in every flavor, fresh char siu, boiled peanuts, tailgate beers, and banana lumpia. Alicia’s Spicy Squid poke will make you a believer.